There are many different methods for training parrots, but the most successful focus on 2 core techniques - reinforcing positive behaviour, and concentrating on repetition.

Accentuate The Positive

Positive reinforcement is, without a doubt, the most effective method of training your bird. But, don’t limit your use of positive reinforcement just to the times when your parrot seems distressed. This form of training is actually incredibly effective.

Besides that, the concept is deceptively simple. When your parrot performs an activity you want to encourage, you simply reward him with some type of treat. At the same time you’re rewarding him with a treat, praise him. He’ll get the picture much quicker than you can imagine.

When your parrot behaves in a way you would rather discourage, you don’t yell, scream or even punish him (trust me, none of those three would do absolutely no good), you ignore the behavior.

Your parrot wants nothing more than your attention. If his actions produce your attention, he really doesn’t care if his behavior is bad or good.

Eventually, you’ll be able to substitute just the praise and won’t to need “treat” him for every good behavior.

No Marathon Training Sessions

Sure, your parrot is smart. But, his attention span isn’t very long. If you decide to conduct a marathon training session, it’ll soon prove counterproductive on you. The most effective – and indeed the quickest – way to train a parrot is by carrying out short sessions. Schedule them frequently and make them a regular habit.

Repetition: The Key To Good Training

While repetition is indeed the key to good training, it needs to go hand in hand with another habit as well: Consistency. This is especially true when you’re training your parrot to talk. Let’s say for example that you want to teach your parrot to say “mmm, food.” Then you not only use repetition, but consistency. Every time you feed him you tell him this phrase. Soon you’re your parrot associates these words with getting food. The next thing you know, he’s repeating them when he’s hungry.

When you say these words to your parrot, be enthusiastic. Say them a little louder than your normal conversational tone. When you teach him other words, say them throughout the day to him.

Just as you watch your language around young children, you really do need to watch what you say around your parrot. While you think you may be teaching your parrot, “Polly wants a cracker,” he may also be learning other, less desirable, words from you or other family members.